Fans of FC Barcelona could soon witness the return of their legendary forward Lionel Messi, as discussions about his potential move back to the Catalan club are heating up. After leaving Barcelona in August 2021 due to financial difficulties faced by the club, Messi has been playing for Inter Miami, but reports suggest he is considering making one last career stop at his former club.
According to journalist Álex Candal from DIRECTV Sports, Messi has not ruled out the possibility of returning to Barça and, more interestingly, has expressed his strong desire to play at the newly renovated Camp Nou. "I cannot leave football without playing at the new Camp Nou," is reportedly one of the sentiments Messi has shared with those close to him.
Now 37, Messi has been under contract with Inter Miami until December 2025. His current agreement gives him options to extend his time with the club until 2026, but it seems Barcelona is his preferred destination as he approaches retirement. The situation presents various challenges, particularly Messi's existing contract, which prohibits any immediate return under current conditions.
Barcelona's management is reportedly exploring options to accommodate Messi's wish, amid hopes of restructuring the team with potential signings. According to e-Notícies and corroborated by Candal, Messi has put forth the demand for three key signings before he would agree to return. These would include bringing along his personal advisor, Pepe Costa, and two of his personal trainers, ensuring he is fully supported as he ends his illustrious career at Barcelona.
Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, is said to be eager to facilitate Messi’s return, brushing aside previous failed negotiations to renew his contract back in 2021. The club is committed to easing Messi’s transition, especially as he would arrive as a free agent, bolstering their roster for what could be Messi’s final European season.
Timing also plays a significant role; Messi's potential debut at the refurbished Camp Nou is set against the backdrop of its grand reopening scheduled for 2026. The new stadium marks not only the culmination of renovations but also serves as the stage where Messi dreams of closing his storied European career.
The emotional tie between Messi and the club he represented for over two decades cannot be understated. Barcelona was where he enjoyed his peak, scoring over 670 goals and winning countless titles, including multiple UEFA Champions Leagues. His departure caused significant heartbreak among fans, and the idea of his return elicits excitement across the Barça community.
Despite Messi's desire, his current contract poses the hurdle of how exactly his transition to Barcelona would be executed. The club is still dealing with financial constraints, which means any efforts to realign Messi with Barça will need to be navigated carefully.
Analysts suggest Messi’s return would not only reinvigorate the sport on the pitch for Barcelona, sparking fan enthusiasm and ticket sales, but it would also yield substantial financial gains through merchandise sales and sponsorship agreements at the new Camp Nou.
While there is no official announcement from FC Barcelona confirming these discussions, the combination of speculation, public sentiment, and timing with stadium renovations creates fertile ground for optimism about Messi’s return. Fans eagerly await the next chapter of this saga, wondering if the dream can materialize.
Questions remain—will Inter Miami allow Messi to leave early? Can Barcelona meet the financial demands necessary for the deal? And is Messi prepared to make any financial sacrifices to return to his beloved club?
Only time will reveal if these dreams of rekindling Messi’s legacy at Barcelona become reality. The football world continues to watch closely as this narrative promises to be one of the most compelling stories as the new decade approaches.